Friday, December 15, 2017

I’ve
discovered a fun way to increase my sense of well-being. I combine self-care hygiene of showering and the energetic shift that occurs when I recite affirmations, to improve health and happiness.When you try out this wellness practice, you’ll
see how quickly it both cleanses your body and converts negative thinking into more positive attitudes and actions. Why does this pair improve our outlook? Read on.

Bathing in warm or hot water helps wash off more
than dirt and grime. The steam from the shower reduces nasal congestion and
soothes a sore or hoarse throat. When we shower shortly after awakening, the rushing water helps us start the day with a fresh outlook. If we choose to take our shower in the evening, it relaxes muscles after a long,
tiring day and prepares us for a good night's sleep.

As water from the shower shoots down, the water pressure helps improve blood circulation, opens and unclogs pores,
and can even reduce the sensations associated with a headache. This is an easy,
natural way to cure headache pain with no side effects.

Observing water's clear, fresh color stills our mind and soothes our spirit. The sound and feel relaxes us. Use all your senses. Tap into the healing power of running water, and connect with your body’s heat. Open your eyes and mind to cleansing and take the first simple step to refresh yourself.

Now, on to the second part of my equation. The affirmation definition I like best
is, “An affirmation is a declaration that confirms something is already true
and bountiful in life.”

When
you declare affirmations aloud in the shower, the sound reverberates, and makes two healing modalities more powerful than just one.

Use shampoo and soap to lather your body. Then as you wash, make brushing motions an inch or two above your torso or on your skin from head to toe.Imagine brushing off aches and pains, negative thoughts, and heaviness in your heart. Make the motion of removing things from other places, where you sense you need cleansing. Brushing can be done with an actual (touch) or symbolic brush and is a physical way to release stale energy. Keep in mind, this process can help you shed fear, anger, grief, or other troubling feeling trapped in your body. So make the motion of brushing off all things that no longer serve you well.

Repeat the following affirmations, as the water washes over you. Speak aloud, with as much conviction as you can muster.

1. “As
the water rushes over my body, I notice my muscles are free of tension, my mind
is free of worry, and my thoughts are free of uneasiness about those things
that are left undone or I have no control over.”

2. “Shower water and soap cleanses all negative energy from my body,
mind, and spirit. I let go of dissatisfaction, judgments, and comparisons with
others as cares wash down the drain.”

3. “I
move forward and prosper.”

4. "I keep life simple by lovingly focusing on my own business,
and gently release thoughts of others and fully appreciate the results of my
own actions."

“5. I recognize that self-discovery
and healing are day-at-a-time processes.

6. "I am kind and caring with myself and
others."

7. "I learn from my experiences, and understand I have the option of starting over any time I have the need for a do-over."

8. “I live each day with positive intentions, take things in stride, and enjoy challenges."

9. “I visualize myself immersed in a pool of love, peace, and compassion.”

10. “I
relish quiet time spent in the shower, and my inner peace is a power of example to others.”

For in-depth affirmation adventures, pick up a copy
of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.
This 12 week guided journal program helps its readers combine color themed activities,
affirmations, journal writing and reflection, with tips for self-care. It’s
perfect for women who are introspective as well as those who want to be more
self-aware and happy. Colors of Joyis affordable, provides
hours of entertainment and discovery, and is a healthful way to be good to
yourself. In fact, it makes an eye-catching holiday or birthday gift for all
the women you care about.

Are you consistent with your pre or post work self-care
routines? Please explain why or why not.Before I sign off, I encourage you to reserve time to nurture yourself during the holiday season and into the New Year. Warm wishes for vital color energy always, to help you Live Each Day Happy and Free!

Further reading:

Expressing affirmations aloud is an effective way to reduce tension, and this scientific study from Carnegie Mellon backs it up.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Hanukkah is a joyous, festive Jewish holiday. This year as you wish a Happy Hanukkah to others, you'll have read this blog and understand a few of the customs and symbols associated with the holiday better. Hanukkah
spans eight nights and eight days and begins this year on the night of Dec. 12,
2017. It commemorates the Israelites/Maccabees' victories over the
Greco-Syrians in regaining the ancient Temple in Jerusalem (approx. 164 BCE-142
BCE). This enabled Jews to practice our religion freely.

Legend goes that when the ancient Jerusalem Temple was reclaimed, there was only enough oil to burn in the eternal light for one night. A miracle occurred, and the oil burned for eight days and eight nights. The custom of lighting eight candles (one a night) on the menorah is a celebration and tribute to the miracle of light and religious freedom. Perhaps that's why this holiday came to be called The Festival of Lights.

What are traditional Hanukkah colors? Accessories,
from table linens to toys and serving dishes are customarily blue and white or blue and silver colors.
The most obvious explanation for this color scheme is the Israeli flag,
designed by the Zionist movement in 1891 and officially adopted in 1948, is blue
and white.

Hanukkah
is observed differently around the world. In America, a child may receive presents, attend a Hanukkah Party, sing songs, and play a game with a dreidel ( a spinning top).

In Sephardi/Spanish Jewish homes, you might see the menorah, hanging suspended at the doorpost of each house.

Eating
is a big part of any Jewish holiday. One traditional food served in the U.S. is
a fried potato pancake called a latke (a symbol of the oil). To entertain
during this holiday at my house, I prepare Vegan Potato Latkes and offer the
recipe to you. You don't have to be Jewish to like them, so give it a try.

Note: If the potato mixture is left too long in
the air, it will turn an unattractive gray color. Work quickly or add 1/4
teaspoon lemon juice to the mix, before you portion it out.

3. Place the grated
potato in a colander and press down in order to remove as much liquid as
possible.

4. In a large bowl, mix
all ingredients together, except for the oil.

5. Heat the oil in a
large, heavy skillet, until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into the oil.
Drop about two tablespoons of the mixture into the pan for each pancake.
Flatten pancakes with the back of a spoon to get a somewhat uniform size
(about 2-3 inches in diameter).

6. Fry pancakes at
medium heat four or five minutes. Turn carefully and cook on the other side for
about the same amount of time.

7. After each pancake is
cooked, drain on a paper towel.

8. Top with apple sauce,
fruit compote, cinnamon, or other sweet spice.

💙

Another custom of the
holiday is to give small gifts such as golden or silver metallic paper covered
chocolate coins (gelt) to each child after the blessing for the candle is
chanted and the Hanukkah candle is lit each night. That means children are
getting at least eight presents in all.

Susan from Organized 31 was kind enough to give me permission to use her photo
and let me supply a link to her post, which illustrates blue and silver gift
bags to hold these small treasures. The
crochet directions come from Sara Rivka from Creative
Jewish Mom. What a crafty idea and follow through.

What's the correct spelling for Hanukkah? Hanukkah is not easily transliterated into English, and accounts for why there are so many ways to spell it. Hanukkah and Chanukah are the two versions that are most widely used and accepted. When we gaze at or meditate about light from the Hanukkah candles, it may help us look inside ourselves more deeply. Recently, I've been reflecting on a quotation from Rabbi Naomi Levy, author of Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul."We are carrying God's light within us. It burns like a pilot light, always available to help us and guide us. It's our responsibility to honor and tend that light, to keep sharing it and spreading it."

That's an important reason why I blog.

How do you shine your light in the world? Do you feel by sharing your gifts, you make the world a better place to be? Please comment. You're welcome to share your favorite holiday practice or tradition with my readers and me. Let the light of brotherhood and sisterhood shine.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Purple is my November color, symbol of
creativity and higher wisdom. Those who respond to purple may have an artistic
or dramatic flair. Some wear it, because they intuitively know it balances
thinking and calms hyperactivity. Purple can help you too. Use it to give you a sense of connection and to soothe your spirit.

Gaze at the mandala below. It suggests
the continuous circle of life. If you desire completion, continuity, or a new
beginning, envision a purple mandala. Place a purple drawing or representation of a mandala in your home meditation area. Then, while you mediate, know that purple energy supports you in each moment as thoughts and feelings freely flow through you.

Lavender is a calming essential oil made from
flowers that are purple. It's a traditional remedy for insomnia or restlessness
at night. It also works to heal scratches, burns, headaches, and worry. When
you have trouble falling asleep, imagine a field of Lavender flowers. Sprinkle a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow or tip of your
nose. It helps you drift softly off to dreamland.

In the color spectrum, purple has the
shortest wavelength and vibrates at the highest frequency. Purple paint is a blend of relaxed, cool blue with excitable, hot red. This hue is often
associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also
signifies wealth, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, independence, and magic.
In some cultures, purple symbolizes mourning, decadence, and the supernatural.

Want to put more purple into daily living? Wear
an Amethyst ring
or bracelet to feel protected and serene. Place purple crystals in your work or home environment to feel less pressure about deadlines and reduce stress.

Place purple orchids or another purple
flowering plant beside your computer, tablet, or reading area to take note of its beauty, relieve eye strain, and give you a fresh perspective.

Put purple in your life when you are learning to integrate new
skills. Use purple pencils, markers, or other drawing
material to encourage your imagination to work in practical ways.

Purple is the color of the crown chakra, the energy center
that supports trust, devotion, inspiration, and wisdom. Focus on the
area at the top of the head and envision purple. It can help you to feel unity within yourself, with others, and with the Universe.

November is a good time for purple. The color conveys grateful energy.
Think of purple's rich color before you start a project or are at a gathering. It will help you view your experiences as building blocks to greater understanding and knowledge. Purple is a great Thanksgiving color, one that reminds you to count your blessings. Perhaps its ability to inspire will motivate you to serve red cabbage, radicchio, eggplant, or purple grapes at a festive meal this season.

Red Cabbage, Japanese Eggplant, Radicchio

The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish you'd consider purchasing the interactive self-care journal Colors of Joy.
Its color themed activities include ones that feature purple.

Colors of Joy
is an eye-catching addition to any woman's self-care journal library. In fact, it makes an attractive gift for all the women you care about. See more and order Colors of Joy on my Website. If you prefer, order it through Amazon Books.

Before you go, please comment by scrolling down below and posting your comment in the space provided. I'd love to know about your relationship to purple. For me, it's a unifying color that makes me feel happy, peaceful, and alive.
How does purple make you feel? Do you wear it often and for what reasons? Did
my blog post and illustrations help you in some way? Please comment below.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

The mysterious blue
color of the nighttime sky or indigo is associated with the Third Eye Chakra. This energy center stimulates intuition, clear thinking, insights,
wisdom, and spiritual awareness.

The chakras
are the energy system that delivers vibrational messages from mind to body and
vice versa. Gazing at, visualizing, or meditating on an indigo object like a flower works with the conscious and subconscious mind to restore vitality to
places in the mind or body that need it.

Nighttime is the right time for rest and sleep. In sleep, insights and inner wisdom comes to the fore, especially when the Third Eye Chakra is balanced.

Create and maintain healthy habits throughout the day, and it will improve Third Eye Chakra health. Make sure to exercise or play a sport during daylight hours and spend time in sunlight to get enough vitamin D. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, and eat meals
that feature brain food (which is explained below), as well as refrain from eating a large meal at night.

Participate in relaxing activities starting at least 2 hours before you turn in for the night. Read a paperback or hardcover book,
instead of reading text from a backlit device. Tablet
light is disruptive to your natural sleep rhythm. Nix late-night TV watching too. Many programs are stimulating rather than soothing. Light from the television screen can suppress melatonin, the
sleep hormone. Try
listening to music or audio books instead.

Be consistent with bedtime routines, and get to bed at an hour that will allow you to catch at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Sound sleep increases the flow of energy to and from this chakra. The pineal gland, located at the same level as the eyes and found in the middle of the brain, is influenced by the Third Eye Chakra. The pineal gland regulates melatonin production and sleep and wake cycles. Make sure your bedroom is free of electronic devices, and blinds, shades or drapes on the windows assures your sleep area is in complete
darkness. Total darkness stimulates healthy activity in the pineal gland and production
of its associated hormones.

The Third Eye Chakra is located in the space between the
eyes, eyebrows, and behind the forehead, and is sixth in line from the base or Root
Chakra.

To keep the Third Eye Chakra (6th Chakra) finely tuned, take steps to stabilize the chakras that come below it. Learn ways to re-align the other chakras by clicking on the links that follow.

Anja is the Sanskrit Name for the Third Eye Chakra, and it means
the inexhaustible, infinity, and to perceive and command. Anja has
powerful energy, made even more potent through meditation, yoga, and other spiritual
practices. Meditation and contemplative activities like journal writing and tai chi enhance smooth function of the nervous system and stimulates parts of the brain that support
healthy activity in the pineal gland.

Another way to regain equilibrium in the
Third Eye Chakra is to recite affirmations aloud.

Try My Original Third Eye Chakra Affirmations or Write and Recite Your Own

My vision is clear and perceptive.

I accomplish tasks effortlessly.

I create my reality, and whatever I envision comes
to pass.

I am at peace in the silence of the Universe.

My
spirit vibrates with the Infinite potential of the Universe.

I
am wise, intuitive, and use third-eye power to expand vision.

Brain foods high in Omega-3
fatty acids include: flax and chia seeds, olives and olive oil, walnuts, Brussels
sprouts, kale, watercress and other dark leafy greens, and fruits like avocado and blueberries. Each nourishes the Third Eye Chakra. Dark chocolate, which contains omega-3 as well as caffeine,
helps with mental clarity. Look forward to chocolates’ delicious taste as well
as its ability to enhance your mood.

Get in the habit of eating
intuitively. Often, a food craving means your body knows what nutrient it needs. Blueberries
(indigo color) have a positive influence with memory and ability to learn.
Berries are a fine Third Eye Chakra food, because they contain powerful
antioxidants that improve cognitive thinking and reasoning. Some people have sensitive third eye chakra ability and are telepathic. They have highly developed empathic powers (the ability to understand and sense the feelings of another). Empaths can imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. This is a gift. How do you think you'd act if you could put yourself in the shoes of another, and come from that place when you relate?

A word of caution now. If you experience physical symptoms like
insomnia, nightmares, vision trouble, anxiety, and headaches often, consult with your
health care provider to rule out any physical causes. Then, look for an
imbalance in your Third Eye Chakra.

Wear indigo colored clothing or decorate your home or office with this as an accent color to support Third Eye Chakra healing. Look for signs that your intuition is working well and you have "aha" moments often. List all the issues or situations you want to see with clearer vision, and revisit them after doing activities that strengthen this chakra. Ask yourself whether you're ready to use Third Eye Chakra Energy to help release negative thoughts and worry. Anja energy can draw out the wisdom that's needed, to bring healing and create a greater sense of peace in you.

Which situations or circumstances do you want to understand better, and which ones do you suspect you are powerless to change? Have you ever thought to gaze softly at the color indigo? It's a comforting color to me. What about you?Please comment in the section provided below. Share the Love on Social Media too.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Bullying is a serious matter even kindergarten and
elementary school children may be faced with. “Children and adolescents who
are involved in bullying (either as an aggressor, as a victim, or both) put
themselves at risk for a number of emotional and behavioral problems, now and
in the future, and require support to learn how to develop healthy relationships.”
To see an extensive list of
dangers from bullying see this.

This problem is not limited to school age kids. It impacts
health, safety, and well-being of individuals of all ages and radiates out to
the nation and world we live in.

October isNational Stop Bullying
Month andyour chance toGo Blue! Celebrate Blue Shirt Day®World Day of Bullying Prevention™on October 2, 2017 by wearing your blue. Find out where and when additional October activities are being sponsored in your area and take part. Do your share to raise awareness about bullying prevention. If your town or city doesn't have activities on the calendar, take the lead and organize one.

·Fighting, threatening, name-calling, teasing, or excluding someone
repeatedly and over time

·An imbalance of power, such as size or popularity

·Physical, social, and emotional harm

·Hurting another person to get something

What Can You Do to Reduce Bullying?

Read on to discover many tips and ideas to help you. Credit Goes to the American Psychological Association athttps://www.apa.org/helpcenter/bullying.aspx, Here's their contact info: 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC
20002-4242 | Telephone: (800) 374-2721; (202) 336-5500 |
TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123

Bullying: How parents can take action to prevent bullying

"For the Parents of kids being bullied:

Observe your child for signs they might be being bullied

Children may not always be
vocal about being bullied. Signs include: ripped clothing, hesitation about
going to school, decreased appetite, nightmares, crying, or general depression
and anxiety. If you discover your child is being bullied, don’t tell them to
“let it go” or “suck it up”. Instead, have open-ended conversations where you
can learn what is really going on at school so that you can take the
appropriate steps to rectify the situation. Most importantly, let your child
know you will help him/her and that they should try not to fight back

Teach your child how to handle being bullied

Until something can be done
on an administrative level, work with your child to handle bullying without
being crushed or defeated. Practice scenarios at home where your child learns
how to ignore a bully and/or develop assertive strategies for coping with
bullying. Help your child identify teachers and friends that can help them if
they’re worried about being bullied.

Set boundaries with technology

Educate your children and yourself about cyberbullying and teach
your children not to respond or forward threatening emails. “Friend” your child
on Facebook or Myspace, and set up proper filters on your child’s computer.
Make the family computer the only computer for children, and have it in a
public place in the home where it is visible and can be monitored. If you
decide to give your child a cell phone think carefully before allowing them to
have a camera option. Let them know you will be monitoring their text messages.
As a parent, you can insist that phones are stored in a public area, such as
the kitchen, by a certain time at night to eliminate nighttime bullying and
inappropriate messaging. Parents should report bullying to the school, and
follow up with a letter that is copied to the school superintendent if their
initial inquiry receives no response.

Parents
should report all threatening messages to the police and should document any
text messages, emails or posts on websites.

For the Parents of kids engaged in bullying:

Stop bullying before it starts

Educate your children about bullying. It is possible that your
child is having trouble reading social signs and does not know what they are
doing is hurtful. Remind your child that bullying others can have legal
consequences.

Make
your home “bully free”

Children learn behavior through their parents. Being exposed to
aggressive behavior or an overly strict environment at home makes kids more
prone to bully at school. Parents/caregivers should model positive examples for
your child in your relationships with other people and with them.

Look
for self-esteem issues

Children with low self-esteem often bully to feel better about
themselves. Even children who seem popular and well-liked can have mean
tendencies. Mean behavior should be addressed by parents and disciplined."

Stand
up against hate, racism, and discrimination. Change lives and the future by
teaching your children to practice inclusion, equality, civility, and unity.Take positive steps that show you're kind rather than cruel. Say no to bullies everywhere.

Has bullying been a problem that has affected your family, friends, or acquaintances? Was it dealt with in an effective way? Please share any tips, ideas, or thoughts about this important subject in the comments section below.